Records Relating to Department of Administration | State Archives Catalog

The Department of Administration was established by Public Law Chapter 2727 (1951-H-778A approved April 19, 1951) within the executive branch of state government. The head of the department is the Director of Administration who is appointed by the governor. The duties and powers of the department includes: preparing and administering the budget for departments and agencies; overseeing purchasing and contracts, administering accounts and control; supervising and maintaining state properties and buildings; assess and collect taxes levied by the state, oversee personnel administration and civil service system.

Currently the Department of Administration “provides supportive services to all Rhode Island departments and agencies for effective coordination and direction of state programs within the framework of a changing administrative and fiscal environment, while ensuring accountability of and value for public dollars. The department also provides policy direction for executive leadership in a variety of financial and administrative matters and is responsible for the statewide implementation of policy decisions affecting the organization and delivery of services administered and supported by the state.”

“Principal responsibilities include the development and administration of the $7.5 billion State budget; determining and maintaining standard specifications for purchases, contracts, bids and awards for State purchases; maintenance and upkeep and procurement of State facilities; administration of the statewide planning program and overall personnel administration and management of State departments and agencies and the negotiation of State employee union contracts.”